HELP! Nobody Told Me

Hosted by Jasmine Shapiro & Shannon Johnson

Episodes

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to "HELP! Nobody Told Me..." where we navigate life's transitions with heart and humor. Learn with hosts Jasmine Shapiro and Shannon Johnson, Chicagoland REALTORS® and Senior Real Estate Specialists® with BHHSChicago. Join us as we delve into the world of real estate at different stages of life with an eye on your future, guided by our team including Mindy Leonard, SOS- Super Organized Spaces, a home organizer, and Jordan Kagan, The Man of Silver, specializing in sterling silver, precious metals, coins and watches. In each episode, we'll bring you insightful interviews with various guests to help you plan for the future, whether it's your own, your parents' or anyone else in your life. From practical advice on navigating real estate transactions to discussions about the emotions that accompany change, we're here to empower and educate you on how to handle the next chapter. Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts and learn what you need to plan for today!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

19 min

Zillow Got It Wrong — We Prove It on the North Shore

Are online home valuations like Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com costing you money? In this eye-opening episode, Shannon and Jasmine expose the hidden dangers of relying on automated home estimates—showing you exactly why Zestimates are just a starting point, not the final answer for North Shore real estate. They break down two real-world case studies featuring comparable properties in Lincolnshire and Highland Park, Illinois. Discover how the exact same street, same builder, same model, and same square footage can yield dramatically different property values due to factors algorithms completely miss. From the condition and maintenance history to high-value location premiums (including a ranch one block from Lake Michigan), we reveal what buyers see that Zillow’s data cannot. Learn why Zestimates feature misleading valuation ranges of $100,000–$150,000+, why "dollars per square foot" is the wrong metric for luxury and suburban homes, and why accurate pricing requires a human expert who understands local market trends. Whether you are buying or selling, this episode is essential for navigating the competitive North Shore housing market with confidence. Tune in to learn: The risks of trusting AVM (Automated Valuation Models) for home selling. The truth behind Zillow’s valuation algorithm and its limitations. How location, upgrades, and maintenance impact actual home values. A shocking Highland Park case that flips the script on online estimates. Why professional home appraisals and real estate agents are vital for accurate property valuation. Don't list your home until you listen to this episode! 🔑 Thinking about selling? We'd love to walk through your home, evaluate what the algorithms can't see, and give you an honest picture of what buyers will pay — not six months from now, but today. 👉 Schedule your free home valuation: https://findyourvalue.bhhschicago.com ... Hosts: Shannon Johnson sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/

27 min

Yoguitar Founder, Musician & Composer Dave Hiltebrand

Dave Hiltebrand is a musician, composer, and entrepreneur who has spent more than 30 years making a living through music. Throughout his career, he has toured internationally, worked as a sought-after studio musician, written songs featured on the radio, and composed music for film and television. His lifelong passion for creating meaningful musical experiences has now evolved into a new venture that combines creativity with wellness. Dave is the founder of Yoguitar, a music wellness platform designed to help people slow down, de-stress, and reconnect with themselves through intentionally composed music. Inspired by the peaceful atmosphere of a yoga studio, Yoguitar brings calming, restorative music into everyday life through its iPhone app. In this episode, Dave shares his journey of reinventing himself after decades in the music industry, what it takes to build a business from the ground up, and how music can become a powerful tool for improving mental wellness, reducing stress, and creating moments of peace in our busy lives. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Links: ✉️ connect@yoguitar.io 🌐 https://yoguitar.io Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davehiltebrand Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins #shannonandjasminehomes #seniorresourceteam #helpnobodytoldme #bhhs_chicago #bhhschicago_lakeforest #MoveConfidently #yoguitar #musicwellness #mentalwellness #stressrelief #mindfulness #musician #composer #wellnessjourney #selfcare #musicheals #entrepreneurship

29 min

The Power of Showing Up: Why Supporting Alzheimer's Families Matters More Than You Think

Jennifer Keeney is a people leader, community advocate, and change-maker who is passionate about creating meaningful impact in both business and the communities she serves. With a diverse career spanning multiple industries, including healthcare, Jennifer has built a reputation as a versatile and creative leadership expert. She has successfully guided organizations ranging in size from 200 to 30,000 employees, partnering with business leaders to solve complex challenges and helping senior executives navigate significant change. Her deep expertise in human resources strategy across both public and privately held companies has made her a trusted advisor and catalyst for growth. Today, Jennifer channels her leadership and passion into community advocacy, serving as an active supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association and its mission to advance research, provide support, and ultimately end Alzheimer’s disease. She joins us to discuss the importance of creating positive change, the power of community involvement, and why supporting those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias is so critical. Jennifer shares how leadership extends beyond the workplace and how each of us can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Links: Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/ Walk to End Alzheimer’s: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23941&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=19597 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gooch-keeney/ Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins

37 min

Planning with Purpose: Making Meaningful Farewells That Reflect Your Values and Protect Future Generations.

Philip Flores Jr. is the Founder of Cremation By Water Group, a forward-thinking funeral home serving families and funeral professionals throughout Chicagoland with modern, eco-friendly end-of-life care for both people and pets. As a nationally recognized advocate for alkaline hydrolysis, commonly known as water cremation, Philip is passionate about educating families about the five legal disposition options available today. Through community outreach, guided tours, public speaking, and compassionate conversations, he helps remove fear and uncertainty from end-of-life planning while empowering individuals to make informed decisions before a crisis occurs. Philip believes that education creates confidence and that meaningful farewells should reflect both personal values and care for future generations. He joins us today to discuss why more families are exploring water cremation, the importance of preplanning to reduce emotional and financial stress, and how adult children can begin meaningful conversations with aging parents. Philip also shares how gentler, environmentally conscious aftercare options are reshaping the way families think about honoring loved ones. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Links: 📞 847.414.4414 Main | 847.414.7667 People Division Website: https://www.cremation-by-water.com/ Website: https://www.petcremationbywater.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipfloresjr/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cremationbywater/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petcremationbywater/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CremationByWaterGroup Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins

27 min

Catching Up with the Senior Resource Team

The whole senior resource team is back together! Shannon, Jasmine, Mindy, and Jordan catch up on what's new — and share what families navigating a senior move or estate situation need to know right now. Mindy Leonard - Super Organized Spaces What's new and how her services have evolved Where families should start when they feel overwhelmed The emotional side of letting go — and how to make it easier Jordan Kagan | The Man of Silver What he buys: metals, coins, watches, silver & silver plate Silver vs. silver plate why it matters for value What surprises people (and what disappoints them) How to reach Jordan and get a fair assessment Shannon & Jasmine | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago Residential real estate on Chicago's North Shore Specialists in senior transitions and family home sales SRES® — Seniors Real Estate Specialists ABR®️ Accredited Buyers Representative RENE®️ - Real Estate Negotiation Expert AHWD®️ - At Home With Diversity Connect With the Team: Mindy Leonard https://www.facebook.com/thesuperorganizedspaces https://www.instagram.com/superorganizedspaces https://superorganizedspaces.com/ Mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan https://www.facebook.com/jordan.m.kagan/ Jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Enjoying the show? Leave a review and share with someone who needs it. Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins

31 min

Hormones 101 for Menopause: A Doctor's Guide to Making the Right Choice for You

Dr. Suzi Siegel is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner who is dedicated to helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and clarity. With more than 30 years of experience caring for patients in busy emergency rooms, Dr. Siegel has witnessed firsthand the serious health consequences that can occur when women are not properly educated or supported through this stage of life. Today, through Menopause Matters MD, she is on a mission to provide women with science-backed guidance and personalized care that empowers them to build a foundation for lifelong health and vitality. Throughout her career, Dr. Siegel has treated countless women suffering from complications related to declining estrogen levels, including hip fractures, recurrent urinary tract infections, heart attacks, and strokes. Rather than simply treating these emergencies, she is now focused on preventing them. She joins us again today to talk about the treatments of menopause including when and why to start hormones and what that means. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Links: Website: https://menopausemattersmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausemattersmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-donick-siegel-md-facep-mscp-4885b9283/ Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins #shannonandjasminehomes #seniorresourceteam #helpnobodytoldme #bhhs_chicago #bhhschicago_lakeforest #MoveConfidently #menopausemattersmd #perimenopause #menopause #womenshealth #hormonehealth #healthyaging #preventivecare #menopausesupport #wellnessforwomen #agingwell

29 min

Don't Wait for the Emergency: How Proactive Menopause Care Can Save Your Life

Dr. Suzi Siegel is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner who is dedicated to helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and clarity. With more than 30 years of experience caring for patients in busy emergency rooms, Dr. Siegel has witnessed firsthand the serious health consequences that can occur when women are not properly educated or supported through this stage of life. Today, through Menopause Matters MD, she is on a mission to provide women with science-backed guidance and personalized care that empowers them to build a foundation for lifelong health and vitality. Throughout her career, Dr. Siegel has treated countless women suffering from complications related to declining estrogen levels, including hip fractures, recurrent urinary tract infections, heart attacks, and strokes. Rather than simply treating these emergencies, she is now focused on preventing them. She joins us today to discuss the realities of perimenopause and menopause, the importance of proactive healthcare, and how the choices women make today can have a profound impact on their future well-being. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Links: Website: https://menopausemattersmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausemattersmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-donick-siegel-md-facep-mscp-4885b9283/ Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins #shannonandjasminehomes #seniorresourceteam #helpnobodytoldme #bhhs_chicago #bhhschicago_lakeforest #MoveConfidently #menopausemattersmd #perimenopause #menopause #womenshealth #hormonehealth #healthyaging #preventivecare #menopausesupport #wellnessforwomen #agingwell

29 min

Less Stress, More Connection: Can an AI Companion Really Lighten the Load for Caregivers?

Josh Rosenfeld is the Founder and CEO of AlwaysHere, an innovative AI platform designed to support families caring for loved ones with autism and dementia through voice-based companions. A lifelong technologist and entrepreneur, Josh brings over three decades of experience building digital products used by millions, having worked with leading organizations such as Apple, Humana, Walgreens, and Zillow, where he served as Creative Director. As a neurodivergent innovator, Josh approaches technology with a deeply personal and human-centered lens, creating tools that prioritize connection, consistency, and real-life impact. In this episode, Josh shares the powerful story behind AlwaysHere, including the personal experiences and defining moments that led to its creation. He walks us through how voice-based AI companions can reduce caregiver stress, improve continuity of care, and provide meaningful, 24/7 support for families. Josh also highlights the real-world impact of his work, the gaps that exist in current care systems, and how simple, accessible technology can make a profound difference in the lives of both caregivers and their loved ones. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com Links: Josh Rosenfeld 📞 248-909-9353 ✉️ josh@alwayshere.app 🌐 https://alwayshere.app LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosenlink/ Free Training: https://gaps.alwayshere.app Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins

25 min

Why Proactive Patient Planning Beats Crisis Management Every Time

Mary Fedorowski is the Chief Executive Officer of Avoa Health, a concierge patient advocacy service dedicated to supporting individuals with chronic illnesses and their families. With over twenty years of experience navigating the healthcare system, Mary is passionate about ensuring patients receive the highest level of personalized care so they can focus on healing and spending meaningful time with their loved ones. Through Avoa Health, she helps families cut through the complexities of healthcare, providing guidance, advocacy, and clarity during some of life’s most challenging moments. In this episode, Mary shares why many families wait until a crisis—such as a fall, stroke, or medical emergency—before seeking help, and how proactive planning can make all the difference. She also explains the critical distinction between hospital-employed navigators and independent patient advocates, and why even highly capable family members can struggle to manage a loved one’s care within today’s complex healthcare system. Mary offers valuable insights on how the right support can ease stress, improve outcomes, and empower families to make informed decisions. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of Help! Nobody Told Me… Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: https://shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com/ Links: Mary Fedorowski 📞 312-434-5708 ✉️ mary@avoahealth.com 🌐 https://avoahealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryfedorowski-avoa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avoahealth/ Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins

34 min

Practical Strategies for Staying Active All Day

Chelsea Duggan is a North Shore-based personal trainer and founder of The Ritual Fit, specializing in senior fitness, nutrition, and strength training. As a competitive jiu jitsu athlete, Chelsea brings a unique perspective on the importance of moving well, fueling the body properly, and maintaining strength at every stage of life. Her approach focuses on helping clients build sustainable habits that support long-term health, mobility, and overall performance in everyday life. Balancing life as a mom of three boys, with two dogs and a husband who is a competitive triathlete, Chelsea understands firsthand the importance of integrating movement, recovery, and wellness into a busy lifestyle. She joins us today to share how exercise can be viewed as performance training for life, practical strategies for staying active even with a desk-based routine, and how building strength and consistency can lead to a healthier, more energized life. Subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media…Join us next Wednesday for another episode of HELP! Nobody Told Me. Hosts: Shannon Johnson – sjohnson@bhhschicago.com Jasmine Shapiro – jshapiro@bhhschicago.com Mindy Leonard – mindy@superorganizedspaces.com Jordan Kagan – jordanthemanofsilver@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonandjasmine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonandjasmine Website: shannonandjasmine.bhhschicago.com Links: Chelsea Duggan 📞 847-53-7281 ✉️ chelseaduggan@mac.com 🌐 https://theritualfit.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseaduggan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myritualfit/ Produced by: Dave Couto with Bright Vox Audio Edited by: Michael Collins